INDEPENDENCE — Montgomery County Sheriff Robert Dierks announced today that his office is investigating what they believe to be the accidental death of a 17-year-old Independence girl early on Tuesday, Jan. 7.

Dierks stated that Shirley Catherine Raven Scout Fowler was discovered by her family in the early morning hours of Jan. 7, in her home and she was unresponsive. Dierks stated that EMS was contacted to respond, however Fowler was not able to be resuscitated.

Sheriff Dierks stated that the investigation showed that Fowler may have ingested medication not intended for her.

“It is a tragic accident and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office staff extends our sympathy and condolences to the family,” Dierks stated.

Foul play is not suspected and the death appears to be accidental according to the sheriff’s office.